Christian Benteke: Liverpool agree £32m fee with Crystal Palace for misfit striker

The Belgium international failed to win a regular starting place under Jurgen Klopp

Benteke has struggled for form since arriving at Anfield (Getty)

Christian Benteke, the Liverpool striker, is set to join Crystal Palace after the two clubs agreed a deal worth £32m.

The 25-year-old, who joined the Merseyside club for £32.5m from Aston Villa last summer, has been granted permission to undergo a medical and finalise personal terms.

It is believed that Palace will pay an initial fee of £27m for Benteke’s services, with a further £5m included in add-ons.

Liverpool, who were keen to recoup their outlay on the Belgium international, rejected a £30m offer from the south London club earlier this week.

Benteke will become Palace’s all-time record signing, surpassing the £13m acquisition of Andros Townsend from Newcastle United in July.

The striker scored 10 goals in 42 appearances in his debut season at Anfield but failed establish a regular starting place under Jürgen Klopp.

Klopp, who replaced Brendan Rodgers as Liverpool’s manager last October, started Benteke just three times following New Year’s Day.

Benteke found himself behind Daniel Sturridge, Roberto Firmino, Danny Ings and his international understudy Divock Origi in the Anfield pecking order.